Four Corners Health Department Press Release

June 24, 2009

Contact:   Vicki Duey at Four Corners Health Department

Increased Number of Cases - Animal Rabies

Animal rabies continues to be a serious public health problem in Nebraska.  There’s a chance that you or your pet may come in contact with wildlife –bats, raccoons, skunks, woodchucks, and foxes- that could have rabies.    You can greatly reduce your risk of exposure to rabies if you avoid wildlife, especially animals that are unusually tame or aggressive.  Keep you pets’ rabies vaccinations up to date.  

So far this year 51 animals have tested positive for rabies in Nebraska, compared with 43 rabies cases in the entire year of 2008 which indicates a spike in rabies.

There have been 11 cases where animals may have exposed humans to rabies.  One of the bats positive for rabies this year was in Seward Country.   This bat was found in a home and exposed individuals. Rabies shots were given to assure protection against the disease.    Rabies is a viral disease that affects humans in their nervous system and causes death if untreated. 

“Immediately report any possible contact with bats, and such situations as bats in rooms with sleeping person, unattended children, or individuals with mental impairment to Four Corners Health Department” says Vicki Duey, Executive Director of Four Corners Health Department.  Information on bat proofing your home can be requested from Four Corners Health Department by calling 402-3662-2621 or 1-877-337-3573. 

“In addition” reports Vicki Duey, “if you are bitten, scratched or have contact with any animal you believe could be rabid, immediately wash the wound, seek medical attention and report the incident.